Thread by @DocCrom

Ancient Coin of the Day: A sestertius of Augustus from the mint at Lugdunum (Lyons), AD 9-14.

The Reverse shows an altar decorated with two statues, with the Legend ROM ET AVG - 'To Rome and Augustus'. #ACOTD #Augustus

Image: RIC Augustus 231A

In 15 BC Augustus opened a mint at Lugdunum in central Gaul which would be a major source for much of the empire's gold and silver coinage. This seems to have been a deliberate move to place the minting of precious metal coinage under his direct control.

However, given that this location was closer not only to the sources of precious metals in Spain, but also the troops stationed on the northern frontiers the practicality of the move is still a factor.

Image: Aureus struck at Lugdunum, 15-13 BC (RIC Augustus 166A)

The altar on the Reverse of the coin at the head of this thread is that which was in the temple dedicated to Augustus by "the union of all the Celtic peoples" (Strabo, Geography 4.3.2).

This Pan-Gallic altar would become the focus for the cult of the Emperor in Gaul, with an annual festival on 1st August.

#ACOTD #Augustus